(April 19, 2015 – Woodstock, New York) Long-time members of the KTD community had the opportunity to spend the day with His Holiness the 17th Karmapa in the shrine that is both the heart of their practice community and His Holiness’s own North American seat. The 17th Karmapa taught in the morning and in the afternoon, taking as his topic the four dharmas of Gampopa, which he described as containing the entire teachings of the Buddha.

As explained in the opening address by KTD President Tenzin Chonyi, the KTD community had grown far beyond what the main shrine room could hold. As a result, His Holiness had agreed to offer two separate days of teachings at KTD, to allow all those who have been members of KTD for the past three years or longer to have the opportunity to receive Read the rest of this article

(April 17, 2015 – Woodstock, New York) As billowing clouds of juniper smoke mingled with the warbling sounds of horns and the insistent beat of drums to fill the senses, His Holiness the 17th Karmapa arrived atKarma Triyana Dharmachakra, the North American seat established by the 16th Karmapa over three decades ago. Although gusting winds made the tall banners a challenge to hold erect, several dozen monastics, Western as well as Asian, formed a dignified procession escorting the Gyalwang Karmapa along a walkway recently painted with auspicious signs.

At the entrance to the shrine hall, the 17th Karmapa was received by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, the 91-year-old abbot who was chosen by the 16th Karmapa to create and oversee this hilltop monastery in Read the rest of this article

July 18, 2011 – NY Woodstock KTD

Early in the morning, shuttle buses discharged a steady stream of people, arriving from all directions to receive teachings from the Gyalwang Karmapa at his North American seat. By 10 am, an estimated 800 people were joyfully awaiting His Holiness’ arrival under a vast white tent that filled the space between KTD’s shrine hall and its residential wing.

During this historic second visit to KTD, His Holiness began by expressing his delight at being able to visit and meet with the larger KTD community once again. He noted the tremendous progress that had been made in recent years towards fulfilling the vast vision that His Holiness the Sixteenth Karmapa had had in founding the monastic seat. Since he bears the name of the 17th Karmapa, His Holiness said he would like to offer his heartfelt thanks and rejoice in the efforts of all involved.

July 20, 2011 – Mount Laurel-New Jersey KTC

His Holiness the Karmapa departed his North American seat in Woodstock, NY, for a visit to another Dharma center under his spiritual guidance—Karma Thegchen Choling center of New Jersey (KTC-NJ). Arriving at midday in this rural setting in southern New Jersey, the Gyalwang Karmapa soon proceeded to offer the Dharma to a large gathering of disciples.

On the afternoon’s schedule was a Thousand-armed Chenrezig initiation. At the start of the session, His Holiness commented that he had just been cautioning the audience at KTD that it was unwise to offer initiations too easily, yet here he was giving initiation the very next day. However, because the KTC-NJ regularly performs Nyungne, Read the rest of this article

July 17, 2011 – NY Woodstock KTD

On the road that leads through the upstate New York town of Woodstock, a huge quilted sign hangs high, proclaiming: Welcome Home! His Holiness the 17th Karmapa was indeed welcomed back to his North American seat this afternoon, for a joyful second visit. (His Holiness first visited Karma Triyana Dharmachakra (KTD), located in Woodstock, during his trip to America in 2008.

With the sun high overhead on this bright summer day, a long line of retreat lamas, monks and nuns formed a golden procession to welcome His Holiness back to his home in North America. Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche and Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche led members of the KTD and KTC communities to offer His Holiness a ceremonial welcome with tea and rice, as well as mandala offering and extensive prayers.

Quotes from the 17th Karmapa

Each person must find his or her own path. Nonetheless, seek guidance from wise and compassionate people and listen to them earnestly. This will help you find the best way to proceed – now and in the future.- Karmapa on Guidance

All traditions, whether religious or secular, have developed to benefit human society. In the event that a tradition or system becomes harmful, there’s no need to insist on following it.- Karmapa on Tradition

Human beings are the most intelligent and resourceful species on earth. If we use our intelligence to cause more suffering, rather than to bring some real benefit to others and ourselves, we are no better than beasts.- Karmapa on Intelligence

Just to simply relax and rest in your own natural state is all that you need to do. When you give yourself that opportunity, you’ll find that presence extends to the other parts of your life.- Karmapa on Meditation

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